3.40am - That is it! Galway West closes its doors on Election 2024 and we close the door on this blog.
Thanks for reading and Good Night (And This Time I Mean It)!
For The Record - The following are elected...
Noel Grealish (IND)
John Connolly (FF)
Hildegarde Naughton (FG)
Maireád Farrell (SF)
Catherine Connolly (IND)
3.30am - Noel Grealish speaking to Bernedette.
3.20am - That's it! Noel Grealish has jumped the last, taken the lead at the elbow and has powered on to be elected (Ok, I will shut up with the racing speak now).
3.18am - GALWAY WEST SIXTEENTH COUNT
Noel Grealish - 9,081 + 568 = 9,649
Noel Thomas - 8,422 + 327 = 8,749
NOEL GREALISH IS ELECTED.
3.17am - WE HAVE A COUNT
2.30am - This could take a while, Hildegarde's Surplus (As I mentioned below) is 895 and it is now a straight shootout between Grealish and Thomas once that's done.
2.22am - We are going for a sixteenth count - This is the distribution of Hildegarde's Surplus.
2.20am - Did I say I was closing the blog? SCRATCH THAT IDEA!
WE HAVE A FIFTEENTH COUNT!
Quota - 10,047
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,717 + 364 = 9,081
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 8,134 + 288 = 8,422
NO ONE ELECTED
2.06am - This is going to be a very long night. And because of that, I am closing the blog. Could be all hours before a result is called.
If you want to keep up to date, join Donal Mahon who is on air at the moment and we are LIVE on FM with Bernadette and the team on galwaybayfm.ie if you are listening online for live results.
Thanks so much for reading. It's been an honour and not possible without EVERYONE who have worked so hard to make it a success.
2.03am - VERY Quiet in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club at the moment. Going through John Connolly's surplus.
1.44am - Have you ever heard of "The Longest Day"? It's a great film trust me. Welcome to "The Longest Night".
1.37am - There is a reason why this could go further. The gap between Noel Grealish and Noel Thomas is 583 votes. This is where it gets technical (And no, I don't know how that part works).
It will only be after the distribution of Connolly's votes will we know if there is a need for Naughton's surplus.
If that is the case, there could be a sixteenth count. It is THAT tight.
1.28am - John Connolly's surplus is 941 votes...Hildegarde's is 895
1.24am - Hildegarde Naughton joined Bernadette after her election.
1.23am - John Connolly spoke to Bernadette in the last few minutes.
1.08 - John Connolly's surplus will now be distributed...We go on!
1.06 - Forget that...FOURTEENTH COUNT NOW!
Quota - 10,047
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,746 + 1,242 = 10,988
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,644 + 3,298 = 10,942
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,222 + 495 = 8,717
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,242 + 892 = 8,134
JOHN CONNOLLY AND HILDGARDE NAUGHTON HAVE BEEN ELECTED!
1.04am - An update...The fourteenth count will happen in four minutes..I repeat...COUNT IN FOUR MINUTES!
12.40am—Half an hour has passed, and there is no sign yet. However, down in Carlow/Kilkenny, they have just had their fourteenth count and have only elected ONE candidate.
Also, I hear that a full recount has been called in Tipperary.
It's in North Tipperary and it's because just SEVEN votes are separating two candidates. They recount tomorrow.
12.11am - Am hearing that the count could be as soon as a half an hour away, That would be great news for the candidates and their supporters who have been in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club all day.
12.03am - Good Morning! The counting of Sean Kyne's votes is well and truly underway and we will have a fourteenth count in a while.
11.45pm - Back to my racing terminology - WE ARE IN THE FINAL STRETCH
11.33pm - While we are waiting for the next count, Let's see what each candidate needs to get elected.
Quota - 10,047
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,746 (Needs 301)
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,222 (Needs 1,825)
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,644 (Needs 2,403)
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,242 (2,805)
Three Candidates will be elected
11.30pm - Sean Kyne, who was eliminated in the last count, speaking live to Bernadette Prendergast
11.19pm - John Cunningham says an hour and a half should do it...We will see!
11.17pm - We keep going and the next count will be the fourteenth count and some as expecting it to be the last one where the remaining three seats will be filled.
11.15pm - Sean Kyne has been eliminated - His votes will be distributed - That's 6,371 votes
11.13pm - COUNT THIRTEEN IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,592 + 154 - 9,746
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,148 + 74 = 8,222
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,474 + 170 = 7,644
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,199 + 43 = 7,242
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 6,281 + 90 = 6,371
NO ONE HAS BEEN ELECTED - SEAN KYNE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
11.10pm - COUNT IN FOUR MINUTES...
10.56pm - Am hearing that a thirteenth count is coming and soon.
10.39pm - If you have been refreshing and seen nothing. Well, that's because we have nothing to report. Well, not from the Galway Lawn Tennis Club anyway.
BUT..What I can give you is the state of the parties nationwide right now.
Seats Filled - 133 / 174
Turnout - 59.7%
1st Counts Completed - 43 / 43
The State Of The Parties
Fianna Fáil - 34 Seats
Sinn Féin - 31 Seats
Fine Gael - 30 Seats
Green Party - 1 Seat
Labour Party - 8 - Seats
Social Democrats - 9 Seats
People Before Profit – Solidarity - 3 Seats
Aontú - 2 Seats
Independent Ireland - 4 Seat
Independent -11 Seats
Others - 0 Seats
10.09pm - No one has been elected and no candidate has been eliminated
10.08pm - Catherine Connolly's surplus will now be distributed
10.06pm - COUNT TWELVE IN GALWAY WEST
Quotas - 10,047
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,484 + 108 = 9,592
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,079 + 69 = 8,148
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,395 + 79 = 7,474
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,138 + 61 = 7,199
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 6,235 + 46 = 6,281
NO ONE ELECTED
COUNT IN FOUR MINUTES!
10.01pm - I know it's not election news but it was a hot topic among some Mayo Election candidates during the run up to the General Election.
10pm - Oh, this is interesting...Apparently, Mayo GAA have given the green light for Connacht to play a game in McHale Park!
The Independent are reporting that the game will be against Munster on March 29th.
9.54pm - We are still going and we will keep going...For the next while anyway!
Still no word or movement on a Twelvth Count at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club.
9.22pm - Interesting little note...
While Hildegarde Naughton is assured of her seat with a big transfer, Noel Grealish might be a little nervous that Noel Thomas from the neighbouring parish of Killannin could get a big geographical transfer to close the gap of 941 votes from Moycullen’s Sean Kyne. Bottom line is that all is not lost for Noel Thomas.
9.15pm - Some Mayo Election News...
The five seats for the Mayo constituency have been filled with the election of Keira Keogh and Paul Lawless who filled the final two seats.
he results of the eleventh and final count of the 2024 General Election saw the election of Westport-based Fine Gael candidate Keira Keogh and Aontú's Paul Lawless to Dáíl Éireann.
They join Rose Conway-Walsh (SF), Alan Dillon (FG) and Dara Calleary (FF) as the five TDs who will represent Mayo in the 34th Dáíl.
8.56pm - There are now three seats left and that will be between the following...
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,484
Noel Grealish - Independent - 8,079
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,395
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,138
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 6,235
8.54pm - Mairead Farrell has also made history by becoming the first woman to top the poll in this constituency.
8.51pm - The Surplus of Mairead Farrell is now being distributed. 563 votes.
8.35pm - COUNT ELEVEN IN GALWAY WEST
Quotas - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 9,532 + 1,078 = 10,610
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 8,977 + 1,601 = 10,578
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,291 + 193 = 9,484
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,969 + 110 = 8,079
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,082 + 313 = 7,395
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,017 + 121 = 7,138
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 6,042 + 193 = 6,235
MAIREAD FARRELL AND CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAVE BEEN ELECTED
8.30pm - Catherine Connolly taking a pic of her team...The count is VERY CLOSE
8.28pm - Galway Lawn Tennis Club is nearly full...Mairead Farrell and Catherine Connolly having a chat
8.07pm - Crowd starting to gather at the Count Centre at the Tennis Club....Something stirring perhaps?
7.38pm - It's the waiting that kills you. But it must be worse for the candidates. The next couple of hours could tell a lot.
So, for the craic, we have worked out what each candidate needs to reach the quota...Which is 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 9,532 (Needs 515)
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 9,291 (Needs 756)
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 8,977 (Needs 1,070)
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,969 (Needs 2,078)
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 7,082 (Needs 2,965)
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 7,017 (Needs 3,030)
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 6,042 (Needs 4,005)
7.23pm - And then there were seven...Remember, there are five seats.
6.49pm - Eibhlín Seoighthe's votes will now be distributed
6.48pm - COUNT TEN IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 9,335 + 197 = 9,532
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 8,750 + 227 = 8,977
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,854 + 1437 = 9,291
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,777 + 192 = 7,969
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,736 + 281 = 7,017
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,741 + 341 = 7,082
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,727 + 315 = 6,042
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 3,841 + 70 = 3,911
NO ONE ELECTED - EIBHLÍN SEOIGHTHE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
6.30pm - It could be argued that Eibhlín Seoighthe had one of the most successful campaigns considering she only joined the race three weeks ago.
She is pictured here with Chris Benn.
6.25pm - Good evening!
5.27pm - We are down to eight candidates.
5.26pm - Grainne Seoige's votes will now be distributed.
5.19pm - NINTH COUNT IN GALWAY WEST
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 9,093 + 242 = 9,335
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 8,150 + 600 = 8,750
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,694 + 160 = 7,854
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,702 + 75 = 7,777
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,673 + 63 = 6,736
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,473 + 268 = 6,741
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,600 + 127 = 5,727
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,955 + 886 = 3,841
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 3,082 + 80 = 3,162
NO CANDIDATE HAS BEEN ELECTED - GRAINNE SEOIGE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
4.17pm - If you go back to the very beginning of this blog (Around 8am yesterday) you will see me say that Galway West is like the Grand National.
Long, big field, fallers but I forgot to mention the word fascinating.
We are down to the final nine who are bidding for those five much-wanted seats in Dail Eireann.
They are...
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 9,093
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 8150
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7694
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,702
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,673
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,473
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,600
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 3,082
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,955
This could get very dramatic yet!
4.01pm - Helen Ogbu's votes will now be distributed
4pm - COUNT EIGHT IN GALWAY WEST
Quota is 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,654 + 439 = 9,093
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 7,554 + 596 = 8150
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,457 + 237 = 7694
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,265 + 437 = 7,702
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,463 + 210 = 6,673
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,353 + 120 = 6,473
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,522 + 78 = 5,600
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 3,016 + 66 = 3,082
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,885 + 70 = 2,955
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 2,514 + 108 = 2,622
HELEN OGBU ELIMINATED
3.51pm - The newly elected Dr Martin Daly speaking to Sarah after his election.
3.50pm - They are enjoying the election in the Kerrane camp!
3.42pm - We are waiting for an eighth count in Galway West so...Here is how they stand and their figures ahead of that count.
As you can see, it is very tight between the top seven at the moment.
Quota is 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,654
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 7,554
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,457
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,265
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,463
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,353
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,522
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 3,016
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,885
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 2,514
3.24pm - Just one constituency left...The only thing is they still have to elect their first TD of this Election.
3.19pm - She didn't win a seat in Galway-Roscommon, but Aisling Dolan is still all smiles with her brothers Brian and David.
3.17pm - Roscommon-Galway's three TD's elected. Dr Martin Daly, Claire Kerrane and Michael Fitzmaurice
3.17pm - That brings the curtain down on Roscommon-Galway
For the record - The following are elected.
Michael Fitzmaurice (II)
Claire Kerrane (SF)
Dr Martin Daly (FF)
3.12pm - COUNT IN ROSCOMMON-GALWAY
Quota- - 10,283
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 9,551 + 1,536 = 11,087
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 8,372 + 1,862 = 10,234
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 6,625 + 968 = 7,593
CLAIRE KERRANE AND DR MARTIN DALY HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO DAIL EIREANN
2.58pm - Mike Cubbard's votes will now be distributed.
2.45pm - COUNT SEVEN IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,582 + 72 = 8,654
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 7,175 + 379 = 7,554
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,354 + 103 = 7,457
Noel Grealish - Independent - 7,228 + 37 = 7,265
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,437 + 26 = 6,463
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,065 + 288 = 6,353
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,402 + 120 = 5,522
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,962 + 54 = 3,016
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,518 + 367 = 2,885
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 2,106 + 408 = 2,514
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,419 + 32 = 2,451
MIKE CUBBARD IS ELIMINATED
2.40pm - COUNT DUE IN GALWAY WEST...
2.39pm - Celebrations in full swing for Peter Roche
2.24pm - Peter Roche is congratulated by Clodagh Higgins after his election to Dail Eireann.
2.33pm - Louis O'Hara speaking to David following his election.
2.20pm - That brings the curtain down on Galway East.
For the record - The following are elected.
Sean Canney (IND)
Albert Dolan (FF)
Louis O'Hara (SF)
Peter Roche (FG)
2.19pm - COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 7,534 + 4,023 = 11,557
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 9,502 + 576 = 10,078
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 7,123 + 458 = 7,581
LOUIS O'HARA AND PETE ROCHE ARE ELECTED TO DAIL EIREANN
2.15pm - Louis O'Hara's supporters ready to celebrate.
2.12pm - Grainne Seoige arrived at the Galway West Count Centre a few minutes ago.
1.35pm - In Roscommon, there seems to be a jovial atmosphere knowing that the next count may be the last.
1.20pm - Meanwhile, Taken in Headford a little while ago, Mairead Farrell is there to support Louis O'Hara
1.06pm - Hildegarde Naughton is in the count centre at the Tennis Club
1.03pm - Galway East and Roscommon-Galway are nearly at an end.
The next count will be the last for both I reckon.
Galway West on the other hand...What are you doing tomorrow?
1.02pm - Eugene Murphy's votes will be distributed
12.56pm - COUNT SIX IN GALWAY-ROSCOMMON
Quota- - 10,283
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 9,331 + 220 = 9,551
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 8,010 + 362 = 8,372
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 5,228 + 1,397 = 6,625
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 5,441 + 338 = 5,779
EUGENE MURPHY IS ELIMINATED
12.51pm - COUNT SIX IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,445 + 137 = 8,582
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,230 + 124 = 7,354
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,956 + 272 = 7,228
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 7,039 + 136 = 7,175
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,049 + 388 = 6,437
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,031 + 34 = 6,065
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,351 + 51 = 5,402
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,941 + 21 = 2,9062
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,310 + 109 = 2,419
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,495 + 25 = 2,518
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 2,079 + 27 = 2,106
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,892 + 26 = 1,918
PAULINE O REILLY IS ELIMINATED
12.42pm - Count due to happen in Galway West and Roscommon-Galway. Things have really sped up!
12.41pm - Clodagh Higgins' vote will now be distributed.
It also means that there are three candidates for two seats. Louis O'Hara. Declan Geraghty and Pete Roche.
12.42pm - TENTH COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 9,080 + 422 = 9,502
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 6,477 + 646 = 7,123
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 6,447 + 1,087 = 7,534
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 5,100 + 1,491 = 6,591
CLODAGH HIGGINS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
12,30pm - A chance to take stock on what has happened so far...
Galway East - Sean Canney (IND) and Albert Dolan (FF) ELECTED
Roscommon-Galway - Michael Fitzmaurice (II) - ELECTED
Galway West - None elected
12.01pm - Padraig Lenihan's votes will now be distributed
11.56am - COUNT FIVE IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,232 + 213 = 8,445
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,226 + 4 = 7,230
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,951 + 5 = 6,956
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,860 + 174 = 7,039
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 6,033 + 16 = 6,049
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,025 + 6 = 6,031
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,349 + 2 = 5,351
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,937 + 4 = 2,941
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,291 + 19 = 2,310
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,177 + 316 = 2,495
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,982 + 97 = 2,079
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,843 + 49 = 1,892
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,407 + 12 = 1,419
PADRAIG LENIHAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
11.55am - Dympna Daly Finn's votes will now be distributed
11.54am - SPOKE TOO SOON - FIFTH COUNT IN ROSCOMMON
Quota- - 10,283
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,540 + 791 = 9,331
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,811 + 199 = 8,010
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 5,097 + 131 = 5,228
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,954 + 487 = 5,441
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,325 + 100 = 2,425
DYMPNA DALY FINN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
11.40am - We could be in for a wait in Galway East and Roscommon-Galway as there are a fair few votes to be distributed. Galway West is more likely to give is another count soon.
11.10am - Anne Rabbitte's votes will now be distributed
11.09am - NINTH COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 9,037 + 43 = 9,080
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 6,445 + 31 = 6,477
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 6,367 + 80 = 6, 447
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 4,965 + 135 = 5,100
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,769 + 117 = 4,886
ANNE RABBITTE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
10.47 - COUNT FOUR IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,195 + 37 = 8,232
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,203 + 23 = 7,226
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,905 + 46 = 6,951
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,770 + 90 = 6,860
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,015 + 10 = 6,025
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 5,815 + 218 = 6,033
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,338 + 11 = 5,349
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,934 + 3 = 2,937
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,250 + 41 = 2,291
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,175 + 2 = 2,177
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,977 + 5 = 1,982
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,840 + 3 = 1,843
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,303 + 104 = 1,407
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity - 916 + 10 =926
NO ONE ELECTED - MAISIE MCMASTER IS ELIMINATED
10.41am - Cormac O'Corcorain and Andrew Mannion's votes will now be distributed.
10.40am - COUNT FOUR IN ROSCOMMON
Quota- - 10,283
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,469 + 71 = 8,540
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,715 + 96 = 7,811
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 5,017 + 80 = 5,097
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,848 + 106 = 4,954
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,262 + 63 = 2,325
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú - 909 + 122 = 1,031
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity - 862 + 144 = 1,006
CORMAC O CORCORAIN AND ANDREW MANNION ELIMINATED
10.38am - Albert speaking to David Nevin following his election.
10.37am - Albert Dolan's surplus will now be distributed
10.36am - EIGHTH COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,712 + 537 = 11,249
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 8,914 + 123 = 9,037
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 6,292 + 153 = 6,445
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,828 + 539 = 6,367
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,324 + 445 = 4,769
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,843 + 1,122 = 4,965
ALBERT DOLAN IS ELECTED AND JOINS SEAN CANNEY IN DAIL EIREANN FOR GALWAY EAST
10.25am - Count about to happen here in Headford - Albert Dolan expected to be elected.
10.15am - AJ Cahill's 631 votes will now be distributed.
10.10am - COUNT THREE IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,169 + 26 = 8,195
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,195 + 8 = 7,203
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,888 + 17 = 6, 905
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,752 + 18 = 6,770
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,014 + 1 = 6,015
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 5,703 + 112 = 5,815
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,335 + 3 = 5,338
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,932 + 2 = 2,934
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,223 + 27 = 2,250
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,174 + 1 = 2,175
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,976 + 1 = 1,977
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,839 + 1 = 1,840
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,238 + 65 = 1,303
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity - 907 + 9 = 916
AJ Cahill - The Irish People - 475 + 156 = 631
AJ CAHILL IS ELIMINATED
10.03am - COUNT IN GALWAY WEST IN FIVE MINUTES
9.43am - They are now underway in Headford for Galway East.
9.40am - Doran McMahon's 455 votes will now be distributed
9.29am - COUNT TWO AT GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,164 + 5 = 8,169
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,192 + 3 = 7,195
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,887 + 7 = 6,888
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,747 + 5 = 6,752
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,011 + 3 = 6,014
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 5,700 + 3 = 5,703
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,335 + 0 = 5,335
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2,929 + 3 = 2,932
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,219 + 4 = 2,223
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,172 + 2 = 2,174
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,973 + 3 = 1,976
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,839 + 0 = 1,839
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,233 + 5 = 1,238
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity - 905 + 2 = 907
AJ Cahill - The Irish People - 469 + 6 = 475
Doran McMahon - Irish Freedom Party - 450 + 5 = 455
NO ONE ELECTED - DORAN MCMAHON IS ELIMINATED
Meanwhile, WE HAVE A COUNT IN GALWAY WEST!
9.21am - Slightly premature excitement there....Nothing doing yet at the Hyde Centre...
9.10am - Centres are opening in all three constituencies - Let the counting BEGIN!
9.02am - Finally, in Galway West, they have only had one count and here is the situation there...
Quota - 10,047
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,164
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,192
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,887
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,747
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,011
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 5,700
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,335
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2, 929
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,219
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,172
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,973
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,839
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,233
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity - 905
AJ Cahill - The Irish People - 469
Doran McMahon - Irish Freedom Party - 450
9.01am - In Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice is the only candidate elected and at the moment, After the Third Count
Quota- - 10,283
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,469
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,715
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 5,017
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,848
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,262
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú - 909
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity - 862
9am - The state of play this morning. In Galway East, they are going into the Eighth count with just Sean Canney elected.
This is how it looks this morning.
The Quota is 10,843
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,712
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 8,914
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 6,292
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,828
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,324
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,843
8.55am - Good Morning!
Here we go again! Day Two of General Election 2024 and is going to be a busy day/night.
All three centres are going and we still have two to elect in Roscommon, three in Galway East and five in Galway West.
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That's it for now. Good Night. See you in the Morning!
1am—They have decided to halt proceedings until tomorrow morning, so Niamh Madden's votes in Galway East and Martina O'Connor and Alan Sweeney's votes will be distributed in the morning as we move into day two of General Election 2024.
12.44am - WE HAVE A COUNT IN GALWAY EAST - SEVENTH COUNT
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,671 + 41 = 10,712
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 6,067 + 225 = 6,292
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,382 + 11 = 3.843
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 3,011 + 4 = 3,015
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 8,887 + 27 = 8,914
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,313 + 11 = 4,324
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,786 + 42 = 5,828
NIAMH MADDEN IS ELIMINATED
12.34am - WE HAVE A COUNT IN ROSCOMMON-GALWAY
THIRD COUNT
Quota- - 10,283
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú - 868 +41 = 909
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,705 + 10 = 7,715
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,252 + 10 = 2,262
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 5,012 + 5 = 5,017
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,449 + 20 = 8,469
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,782 + 66 = 4,848
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity - 848 + 14 = 862
Martina O'Connor - The Green Party - 449 + 0 = 449
Alan Sweeney - The Irish People - 246 + 60 = 306
MARTINA O CONNOR AND ALAN SWEENEY ARE ELIMINATED
12.23am - We are going for a SEVENTH count in Galway East and a third count in Roscommon-Galway
A rumour was doing the rounds in Headford that they might go to a finish. No announcement or confirmation...YET!
12.17am - Newly elected Sean Canney speaking to David Nevin
12.16am - We could be going all night.....
11.55pm - WE HAVE A SIXTH COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,695 + 509 = 11,204
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,510 + 161 = 10,671
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,522 + 545 = 6,067
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,792 + 40 - 3,382
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,980 + 31 = 3,011
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 8,608 + 279 = 8,887
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,266 + 47 - 4,313
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,676 + 110 = 5,786
SEAN CANNEY HAS BEEN ELECTED
11.49pm - WE HAVE A SECOND COUNT IN ROSCOMMON-GALWAY
Quota - 10,283
Vincent Beirne - Independent - 202 + 32 = 234
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú - 789 + 79 = 868
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,283 + 472 = 7,705
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,164 + 88 = 2,252
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 4,843 + 169 = 5,012
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,039 + 410 = 8,449
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,327 + 458 = 4,782
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity - 814 + 34 = 848
Martina O'Connor - The Green Party - 441 + 8 = 449
Alan Sweeney - The Irish People - 224 + 22 = 246
VINCENT BEIRNE ELIMINATED
11.40pm - Luke Smith's 1,865 votes will be distributed and they are going to keep going for one more count at least.
11.35pm - WE HAVE A FIFTH COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,502 + 193 = 10,695
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,286 + 224 = 10,510
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,487 + 35 = 5,522
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,545 + 247 = 3,792
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,857 + 123 = 2,980
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 8,190 + 418 = 8,608
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,118 + 148 = 4,266
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,573 + 103 = 5,676
Luke Silke - Aontú - 1,818 + 47 = 1,865
LUKE SMITH IS ELIMINATED
11.30pm - Patrick Feeney is eliminated and his votes will be distributed tomorrow when counting resumes at 9am.
11.15pm - WE HAVE A FIRST COUNT IN GALWAY WEST
Quota - 10,047
AJ Cahill - The Irish People - 469
Catherine Connolly - Independent - 6,747
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil - 7,192
Mike Cubbard - Independent - 2,219
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin - 8,164
Patrick Feeney - Independent - 52
Noel Grealish - Independent - 6,887
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael - 5,335
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú - 1,233
Doran McMahon - Irish Freedom Party - 450
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity - 905
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael - 6,011
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party - 1,973
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party - 1,839
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil - 2, 929
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats - 2,172
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland - 5,700
PATRICK FEENEY IS ELIMINATED
10.52pm - Aisling Dolan has arrived in the Roscommon-Galway Count Centre in Roscommon.
10.48pm - Still waiting on a First Count in Galway West, a Second in Roscommon-Galway and a Fifth in Galway East...
10.33pm - It is looking like Roscommon is going to pull after the next count and resume in the morning. Not confirmed or announced yet.
10.30pm - Eoin Madden's votes of 1,687 are now being distributed.
10.02pm - WE HAVE A COUNT - Count Number 4 in Galway East.
The Quota is 10,843
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,323 + 179 = 10,502
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,235 + 51 = 10,286
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,423 + 64 = 5,487
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,510 + 35 = 3,545
Eoin Madden - The Green Party - 1,374 + 313 = 1,687
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,843 + 14 = 2,857
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 7,635 + 555 = 8,190
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,101 + 17 = 4,118
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,551 + 22 = 5,573
Luke Silke - Aontú - 1,770 + 48 = 1,818
Non Transferrable - 151
EOIN MADDEN IS ELIMINATED
9.58pm - No First Count in Galway West and they have brought in specially designed weighing scales for the Galway West Papers Verification Process!
9.51pm - Coffee might be a good idea around now. All three centres are going strong and it could be midnight or even later before they call it a night.
9.43pm - I think we are about to have a first count in Galway West
9.41pm - No doubt the Michael Fitzmaurice camp are celebrating tonight following his election on the first count.
9.26pm - Conor Burke's 1,673 votes will now be distributed among the candidates. There are ten remaining in Galway East and Galway West is yet to have a first count.
9.05pm - WE HAVE A THIRD COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Conor Burke - People Before Profit Solidarity - 1,312 + 61 = 1,673
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,076 + 10,323
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,162 + 73 = 10,235
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,158 + 265 = 5,423
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,477 + 33 = 3,510
Eoin Madden - The Green Party - 1,356 + 18 = 1,374
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,777 + 66 = 2,843
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 7,502 + 133 = 7,635
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,063 + 38 = 4,101
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,533 + 18 = 5,551
Luke Silke - Aontú - 1,557 + 213 = 1,770
Non Transferrable - 76
CONOR BURKE ELIMINATED
8.53pm - WE HAVE A COUNT IN ROSCOMMON-GALWAY
The Result of the First Count...
Quota - 10,283
Vincent Beirne - Independent - 202
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú - 789
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil - 7,283
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael - 2,164
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael - 4,843
Michael Fitzmaurice - Independent Ireland - 12,002
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin - 8,039
Eugene Murphy - Independent - 4,327
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity - 814
Martina O'Connor - The Green Party - 441
Alan Sweeney - The Irish People - 224
MICHEAL FITZMAURICE HAS BEEN ELECTED ON THE FIRST COUNT
8.51pm - Or should I say...WE THOUGHT WE HAD A COUNT - The returning officer has just said she needed to check some papers so nothing happening for a couple of minutes.
8.48pm - The excitement is building in all three centres... WE HAVE A COUNT!
8.39pm - Counts imminent in Galway West and Roscommon/Galway
8.37pm - Fine Gael's Pete Roche has arrived at the Galway East Count Centre in Headford.
8.34pm - The candidates are gathering at the Hyde Centre in Roscommon. Dr Martin Daly and Claire Kerrane greet and (Possibly) congratulate each other.
First count in Roscommon/Galway is due shortly.
8.32pm - Paul Madden and David O'Reilly's votes will be distributed. That is a total of 1,232 votes.
8.22pm - SECOND COUNT IN GALWAY EAST
The Quota is 10,843
Conor Burke - People Before Profit Solidarity - 1,238 + 74 = 1,312
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,030 + 46 = 10,076
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,140 + 22 = 10,162
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,150 + 8 = 5,158
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,458 + 19 = 3,477
Fergal Landy - Independent - ELIM
Eoin Madden - The Green Party - 1,263 + 93 = 1,356
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,765 + 12 = 2,777
Paul Madden - Independent - 585 + 35 = 620
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 7,459 + 43 = 7,502
David O'Reilly - The Irish People - 610 + 2 = 612
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,056 + 7 = 4,063
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,521 + 12 = 5,533
Luke Silke - Aontú - 1,554 + 3 = 1,557
No one elected on the third count - Paul Madden and David O'Reilly have been eliminated
8.08pm - Fergal Landy's 385 votes will be distributed but it will not be enough to get either Albert Dolan or Sean Canney over the line this time.
7.50pm - WE HAVE A FIRST COUNT IN GALWAY EAST!
The Quota is 10,843
The First Count as follows
Conor Burke - People Before Profit Solidarity - 1,238
Sean Canney - Independent - 10,030
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil - 10,140
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland - 5,150
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael - 3,458
Fergal Landy - Independent - 385
Eoin Madden - The Green Party - 1,263
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael - 2,765
Paul Madden - Independent - 585
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin - 7,459
David O'Reilly - The Irish People - 610
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil - 4,056
Peter Roche - Fine Gael - 5,521
Luke Silke - Aontú - 1,554
No one elected on the first count - Fergal Landy eliminated
7.43pm - Mairead Farrell has arrived at the Tennis Club. First count is imminent.
7.38pm - With all constituencies now tallied, Virgin Media News projecting that Fianna Fail will be the party with the most first preference votes.
Right now, the state of play nationally is... 9 seats filled....165 to go.
- FF 3
- SF 3
- FG 2
- I/O 1
- GP 0
- SD 0
- Aon 0
- Lab 0
- PBPS 0
7.30pm - MEP Ciaran Mullooly is in the count centre in Roscommon. Ciaran is from Independent Ireland so I would wager Michael Fitzmaurice is close by.
7.25pm - Right, this is what we know so far.
7.21pm - It has been reported that a total recount has been called in Galway East but we have no official confirmation. Could be a recheck of ballot papers.
6.56pm - Ok.....We are hearing of a possible RECOUNT in Galway East....
Will keep you posted...
6.48pm - Latest is that a First Count in Roscommon/Galway is expected around 7.30pm.
6.47pm - Meanwhile, it's not going well at Dexcom Stadium. Connacht are losing 28-0 to the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship.
6.39pm - To quote David Nevin in Headford "The Air is Pregnant". However, still no word of a count in any of the three centres. The latest from the Tennis Club is that it could be 8pm before a first count.
So, While we have a second...There have been four TDs elected nationally.
They are...
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (FF) - Returned as Ceann Comhairle
David Cullinane (SF) in Waterford
Patrick O'Donovan (FG) in Limerick
Jennifer Carroll McNeill (FG) in Dún Laoghaire
5.57pm - Sean Canney has entered the building
5.50pm - Grab a cuppa and catch your breath....It's going to be a manic couple of hours after 6pm.
5.37pm - All three centres now waiting for a first count with all three due to happen within the next hour or so.
4.44pm - Followed by Louis O'Hara...
4.43pm - Candidates arriving in Headford ahead of the first count there. First of all, Albert Dolan who is top after the tallies.
4.35pm - Going through the numbers again for Galway West and something has been brought to my attention...
So, here is the revised top SEVEN there after the tallies...
Mairead Farrell (SF) - 6,478
John Connolly (FF) - 5,905
Noel Grealish (IND) - 5,689
Catherine Connolly (IND) - 5,398
Hildegarde Naughton (FG) - 4,999
Noel Thomas (II) - 4,883
Sean Kyne (FG) - 4,488
Hildegarde Naughton's figures have brought her back into the mix. And in a big way. It also means we could be in for a battle for the fifth seat between Naughton, Thomas and Kyne.
3.52pm - The Sun is setting on Galway Bay...Who's Dail career will set with it? All will be revealed throughout the evening methinks...
3.47pm - So all three constituencies have now concluded their tallies and sorting has begun ahead of a First Count. It's unlikely there will be one anywhere until 6pm and for Roscommon/Galway, they are not expecting to get their first count done until 7pm.
3.40pm - Slightly quiet at the moment with Galway East and Roscommon/Galway tallies completed and now Galway West has finished theirs.
So...The story with Galway West with 96% of boxes open.
(4% of boxes were not tallied due to them being opened before the Tallymen and Women getting into the Count Centre this morning)
The top six are...
Mairead Farrell (SF) - 6,478
John Connolly (FF) - 5,905
Noel Grealish (IND) - 5,689
Catherine Connolly (IND) - 5,398
Noel Thomas (II) - 4,883
Sean Kyne (FG) - 4,488
2.41pm - Independent Candidate Eugene Murphy speaking to Sarah after arriving at the count centre in Roscommon.
2.25pm - Roscommon/Galway tally is complete and for Michael Fitzmaurice, it is becoming a dream election while it is also looking good for Kerrane and Daly.
The top six with 100% of boxes opened
Michael Fitzmaurice (II) - 11,847
Claire Kerrane (SF) - 7,930
Dr Martin Daly (FF) - 7,252
Aisling Dolan (FG) - 4,831
Eugene Murphy (IND) - 4,231
Dympna Daly-Finn (FG) - 2,100
1.49pm - Interesting news filtering through from nationwide tallies - The Greens are in trouble...
1.41pm - In Galway West, 72% of boxes are open
The top six are...
Mairead Farrell (SF) - 4,999
John Connolly (FF) - 4,516
Catherine Connolly (IND) - 4,317
Noel Thomas (II) - 4,221
Noel Grealish (IND) - 3,747
Sean Kyne (FG) - 3,729
1.37pm - Things are taking shape. All boxes in Galway East are now tallied.
With 100% of boxes open, the top six Are...
Albert Dolan (FF) - 9,858
Sean Canney (IND) - 9,570
Louis O'Hara (SF) - 7,120
Pete Roche (FG) - 5,090
Declan Geraghty - 4,935
Anne Rabbitte (FF) - 3,024
12.38pm - So, looking at the overall pic for the three constituencies, Sean Canney, Mairead Farrell and Michael Fitzmaurice are going very well as we look at the tallies. The same can be said for Albert Dolan, Catherine Connolly and Claire Kerrane. It's also showing a real battle for the third seat in Roscommon/Galway between Martin Daly, Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy, while Anne Rabbitte could be facing a challenge to keep her seat. But remember, this is just the tally. Nothing has been won, or lost, yet.
12.23pm - Good Afternoon! Here is how we stand (Tallywise) in all three areas at the moment.
In Galway East - 72% of boxes opened - The Top Six
Sean Canney (IND) - 8,331
Albert Dolan (FF) - 6,358
Louis O'Hara (SF) - 5,390
Pete Roche (FG) - 3,589
Anne Rabbitte (FF) - 2,820
Declan Geraghty - 2,357
In Galway West - 46% of boxes opened - The Top Six
Mairead Farrell (SF) - 3,789
Catherine Connolly (IND) - 3,505
John Connolly (FF) - 3,435
Noel Thomas (II) - 3,390
Sean Kyne (FG) - 2,772
Hildegarde Naughton - 2,285
In Roscommon/Galway - 57% of boxes opened - The Top Six
Michael Fitzmaurice (II) - 6,604
Claire Kerrane (SF) - 5,095
Dr Martin Daly (FF) - 4,486
Aisling Dolan (FG) - 3,435
Eugene Murphy (IND) - 2,449
Dympna Daly-Finn (FG) - 1,120
11.51am - A quick look at what is going on elsewhere.
In Sligo/Leitrim, Chris MacManus (SF) is polling best, followed by two other Sligo town residents, Frank Feighan (FG) and Edel McSharry (FF).
While in Mayo, Alan Dillon (FG) is going well along with Dara Calleary (FF), Rose Conway-Walsh (SF) and Mark Duffy (FG).
11.46am - Last but by no means least...The team in Headford for Galway East...Chloe, Frank, Donal and David.
11.36am - Our team very busy in Roscommon. Leah, Sarah and Liam.
11.29am - What we have so far in Galway East after 70 boxes...
Sean Canney - 30.35%
Albert Dolan - 12.69%
Louis O'Hara - 12.53%
Pete Roche - 11.51%
Declan Geraghty - 7.41%
They are the top five so far - Anne Rabbitte is on 6.44% in sixth
10.53am - It's a busy day for our broadcast teams throughout the County. Here are the team on duty in the Tennis Club. Ben, Chris, Bernadette and John.
10.45am - In Roscommon/Galway, they have opened 35 out of the 124 boxes there. Five stand out, Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane, Aisling Dolan, Martin Daly and Eugene Murphy. And there is little separating them.
10.42am - Update from Galway East. A third of the boxes are open and Sean Canney is flying it. Also interesting has been the burst from Pete Roche. Early boxes had suggested he was in trouble but he has made a major jump in the last few minutes. Others doing well at this point are Louis O'Hara, Albert Dolan and Declan Geraghty.
10.35am - It's making for interesting reading so far. I must add at this point that geography is also playing a part in the figures so far. For example, Grainne Seoige is not going well but her stronghold would be Connemara, same with Noel Thomas in Moycullen or Aisling Dolan in Ballinasloe/East Galway.
10.29am - Interesting tallies from all three centres. A bit of controversy in Galway West as boxes were opened but tallymen and women were not allowed into the Tennis Club but that is being sorted. Also, Inisbofin boxes were late coming in but they have arrived.
Latest from Galway West - Most city boxes tallied and Catherine Connolly, Mairead Farrell, Noel Grealish polling well, John Connolly is well ahead of Grainne Seoige
Meanwhile, in Galway East - Anne Rabbitte, Louis O'Hara and Sean Canney are polling well, as are Declan Geraghty and Albert Dolan.
Finally in Roscommon/Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane, Martin Daly and Eugene Murphy going well.
A long way to go though in all three.
9.53am - First FM Update from the three centres will be at 10am. Already, 26 boxes have been opened in Galway East.
9.32am - And they are underway in Galway East
9.28am - Ditto Galway West
9.18am - The opening of boxes has begun in the Hyde Centre in Roscommon
9am - The boxes are being opened, General Election 2024 counting is underway!
8.53am - Just seven minutes to the opening of the boxes and already there is speculation as to who will be elected in our three areas.
The exit poll released last night conducted by Ipsos/B&A for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4 and TCD shows it could not be tighter!
It reads - Sinn Fein 21.1%, Fianna Fáil 19.5%, Fine Gael 21%, the Green Party 4%, Labour 5%, the Social Democrats 5.8%, People Before Profit Solidarity 3.1%, Aontú 3.6%, Independents/others 14.6% and Independent Ireland 2.2%.
Turn out for Galway West is reported at 78%, Galway East at 68% while in Roscommon/Galway it has been reported at a staggering 80% in parts of Roscommon while lower in the Galway part at 56%.
What has been very interesting has been the turnout in all three.
Just to let you know that this blog will update from the top down. That means that all new info will be at the top of the page.
Last (And by no means least), we have Galway West
If you like horse racing terminology, this one is like the Grand National. It will be long, there will be fallers and whoever comes out on top will have deserved it!
Seventeen are going to post with five seats on offer currently held by Noel Grealish, Hildegarde Naughton, Mairead Farrell, Eamon O'Cuiv and Catherine Connolly.
The Candidates are...
AJ Cahill - The Irish People
Catherine Connolly - Independent
John Connolly - Fianna Fáil
Mike Cubbard - Independent
Maireád Farrell - Sinn Féin
Patrick Feeney - Independent
Noel Grealish - Independent
Seán Kyne - Fine Gael
Pádraig Lenihan - Aontú
Doran McMahon - Irish Freedom Party
Maisie McMaster - People Before Profit Solidarity
Hildegarde Naughton - Fine Gael
Helen Ogbu - The Labour Party
Pauline O'Reilly - The Green Party
Grainne Seoige - Fianna Fáil
Eibhlín Seoighthe - Social Democrats
Noel Thomas - Independent Ireland
Next up is Galway East. Fourteen candidates are going for the four seats currently held by Anne Rabbitte, Sean Canney and Ciaran Cannon.
Interesting one this, four seats this time, three previously and it could be tight.
The Candidates are...
Conor Burke - People Before Profit Solidarity
Sean Canney - Independent
Albert Dolan - Fianna Fáil
Declan Geraghty - Independent Ireland
Clodagh Higgins - Fine Gael
Fergal Landy - Independent
Eoin Madden - The Green Party
Niamh Madden - Fine Gael
Paul Madden - Independent
Louis O'Hara - Sinn Féin
David O'Reilly - The Irish People
Anne Rabbitte - Fianna Fáil
Peter Roche - Fine Gael
Luke Silke - Aontú
Let's start with Roscommon/Galway. Eleven candidates are going for the three seats held by Denis Naughten, Michael Fitzmaurice and Claire Kerrane.
The Candidates are...
Vincent Beirne - Independent
Cormac Ó Corcoráin - Aontú
Martin Daly - Fianna Fáil
Dympna Daly-Finn - Fine Gael
Aisling Dolan - Fine Gael
Michael Fitzmaurice - Independent Ireland
Claire Kerrane - Sinn Féin
Eugene Murphy - Independent
Andrew Mannion - People Before Profit Solidarity
Martina O'Connor - The Green Party
Alan Sweeney - The Irish People
Before we get into the action (And believe me, it could be a LONG weekend), let's look at the candidates from all three.
Boxes open at 9am and from there, the battle for seats in the three Galway constituencies will be underway.
8am - Good Morning folks! Today's the day!
